Santa’s Workshop

Santa’s Workshop will open Saturday, November 25 in the City Centre building just beyond the City Centre Deli (in the former Bronson Health Club, enter from Farmer’s Alley or the Kalamazoo Mall). This magical place filled with little animated elves and twinkling lights is sure to delight all ages!

Thanks to the support of our sponsors and supporters, Santa will see visitors from near and far on Thursdays and Fridays from 4:30 to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m.

In the spirit of ensuring Santa reflects the vibrant diversity of our community, Santa’s Workshop welcomes Black Santa every Thursday and Sunday.

Special activities are featured along with decorating shopping bags, writing letters to Santa, and of course, visiting as long as you want with Santa. The Workshop is a perfect space for families to attend with no rush to leave within the stated hours.

Other activities surround the Santa’s Workshop experience including the Holly Jolly Trolley, featured by Drive and Shine, and many other great retail events hosted by Downtown Kalamazoo Shops.

The Workshop, originally called Santa’s Village was started at The Gilmore Department Store, and still today some of the trees and decorations are part of the displays. The Sleigh and Tin Soldiers are also part of the allure and tradition that makes this place a special holiday tradition. The animated elves were created by David Hamberger and are around 30 years old. Not all of the elves are still working, but some are and they offer a bit of nostalgia for families that have made Santa’s Workshop their tradition over the years.

• Friday, December 1 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 2 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 3 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 7 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 8 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 9 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 10 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 14 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 15 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 16 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 17 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 21 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 22 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 23 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 24 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Thank you to our generous sponsors!